Description ADULT MALE Has mostly unmarked brown upperparts, but with subtle whitish barring on wings and outer tail feathers. Upper nape is red, but rest of nape and crown are dark brown. Dark ear coverts are surrounded by broad white stripe that links to white nasal "tufts" and are bordered below by black stripe. Throat and underparts are white with neat black spots. ADULT FEMALE Similar, but nape is uniformly brown. JUVENILE Similar to adult female, but with red crown.

Dimensions Length: 7-8" (18-20 cm)

Habitat A mainly Mexican species that is a locally common resident of dry woodlands (usually pine/oak mixtures) on mountain slopes, mostly in southeastern Arizona.

Observation Tips Wary nature means it is hard to see well.

Range Southwest

Voice Utters a grating rattle and a sharp pik.

Discussion Distinctive and unique among North American Picoides woodpeckers in having a brown (not black) back. Excavates holes in dead branches for nesting and strips bark in search of insects. Rather shy. Sexes are separable with care.